When Howe landed on Staten Island, the first few days of July 1776, with about 150 ships and 9000 men, residents were
required to sign allegiance to the British. Howe then made S.I. his headquarters until the end of the Revolution in 1783.

Oath of Allegiance

I do sincerely promise &
Swear, that I will be faithful and bear true Allegiance to His Majesty King
George the third; and Him will defend to the utmost of my power against all
Traiterous Conspiracies and attempts whatsoever which shall be made against his
person, Crown or Dignity; and I will do my Utmost Endeavor to disclose and make
known to His Majesty & his Successors, all Treasons, and Traiterous
Conspiracies, which I shall Know to be against, or any of them. So help me
God!

Oath of allegiance to the King of England signed
by Richmond County residents, July 9th 1776.Andrew Elliott papers, New York
State Library.